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Zaman A, Özçelik H, Yücel E, Su Akkan S, Onsinejad T, Mert Yüksel S, Bülbül M. Effect of sex on chronic stress induced alterations in hindbrain catecholaminergic system and autonomic dysfunction resulting in gastrointestinal dysmotility. Brain Res 2024; 1842:149112. [PMID: 38969083 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
It has been reported that the clinical symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD) exacerbate upon stress while the gender-related factors have been incompletely understood. This study aims to investigate the role of sex in chronic heterotypic stress (CHS)-induced autonomic and gastric motor dysfunction. For CHS, the rats were exposed to the combination of different stressors for 7 consecutive days. Subsequently, electrocardiography was recorded in anesthetized rats to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) for the determination of autonomic outflow and sympathovagal balance. Solid gastric emptying (GE) was measured in control and CHS-loaded male and female rats. The immunoreactivities of catecholaminergic cell marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and estrogen receptor (ER-α/β) were evaluated in medullary and pontine brainstem sections by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the controls, CHS significantly delayed GE in males but not in females. There was no significant sex-related difference in parasympathetic indicator HF under either control or CHS conditions. Sympathetic indicator LF was significantly higher in control females compared to the males. The higher sympathetic output in females was found to be attenuated upon CHS; in contrast, the elevated sympathetic output was detected in CHS-loaded males. No sex- or stress-related effect was observed on ChAT immunoreactivity in the dorsal motor nucleus of N.vagus (DMV). In males, greater number of TH-ir cells was observed in the caudal locus coeruleus (LC), while they were more densely detected in the rostral LC of females. Regardless of sex, CHS elevated immunoreactivity of TH throughout the LC. Under basal conditions, greater number of TH-ir cells was detected in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of females. In contrast, CHS remarkably increased the number of TH-ir cells in the RVLM of males which was found to be decreased in females. There was no sex-related alteration in TH immunoreactivity in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of control rats, while CHS affected both sexes in a similar manner. Compared with females, CRF immunoreactivity was prominently observed in control males, while both of which were stimulated by CHS. ER-α/β was found to be co-expressed with TH in the NTS and LC which exhibit no alteration related to either sex or stress status. These results indicate a sexual dimorphism in the catecholaminergic and the CRF system in brainstem which might be involved in the CHS-induced autonomic and visceral dysfunction occurred in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Zaman
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Elif Yücel
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Simla Su Akkan
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Tanaz Onsinejad
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Sadettin Mert Yüksel
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bülbül
- Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
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2
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Varodayan FP, Erikson CM, Scroger MV, Roberto M. Noradrenergic mechanisms and circuitry of hyperkatifeia in alcohol use disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01609-3. [PMID: 39304172 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Hyperkatifeia, the manifestation of emotional distress or pain, is a conceptual framework gaining traction throughout the alcohol and other substance use fields as an important driver of addiction. It is well known that previous or current negative life experiences can serve as powerful motivators for excessive alcohol consumption and precipitate the development of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). A major hallmark of later stages of AUD is the emergence of hyperkatifeia during withdrawal, which can persist well into protracted abstinence to drive relapse. Given these complex interactions, understanding the specific neuroadaptations that lie at the intersection of hyperkatifeia and AUD can inform ongoing therapeutic development. Of particular interest is the monoamine norepinephrine (NE). Noradrenergic dysfunction is implicated in AUD, anxiety, chronic stress, depression, and emotional and physical pain. Importantly, there are key sexual dimorphisms within the noradrenergic system that are thought to differentially impact the development and trajectory of AUD in women and men. The present review discusses past and recent work on noradrenergic influences at each stage of the AUD cycle (binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation) through the lens of hyperkatifeia. Evidence from these studies support the prioritization of NE-specific drug development to treat AUD and the identification of AUD subpopulations that may benefit the most from these therapies (e.g., women and people with comorbid chronic pain or anxiety/stress disorders).
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence P Varodayan
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University - SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA.
| | - Chloe M Erikson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Marcis V Scroger
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University - SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Sheppard M, Rasgado-Toledo J, Duncan N, Elliott R, Garza-Villarreal EA, Muhlert N. Noradrenergic alterations associated with early life stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105832. [PMID: 39084582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Significant stress in childhood or adolescence is linked to both structural and functional changes in the brain in human and analogous animal models. In addition, neuromodulators, such as noradrenaline (NA), show life-long alterations in response to these early life stressors, which may impact upon the sensitivity and time course of key adrenergic activities, such as rapid autonomic stress responses (the 'fight or flight response'). The locus-coeruleus noradrenergic (LC-NA) network, a key stress-responsive network in the brain, displays numerous changes in response to significant early- life stress. Here, we review the relationship between NA and the neurobiological changes associated with early life stress and set out future lines of research that can illuminate how brain circuits and circulating neurotransmitters adapt in response to childhood stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Sheppard
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jalil Rasgado-Toledo
- Institute of Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional de México campus Juriquilla, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Niall Duncan
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Nils Muhlert
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Patrone LGA, Frias AT, Fantinatti GT, Stabile AM, Klein W, Bícego KC, Gargaglioni LH. Long-term effects on cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses in male and female rats prenatally exposed to cannabinoid. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 327:L341-L358. [PMID: 39012058 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00042.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of the respiratory system can be affected by the use of drugs during pregnancy, as the prenatal phase is highly sensitive to pharmacological interventions, resulting in long-term consequences. The deleterious effects of external cannabinoids during gestation may be related to negative interference in central nervous system formation, cardiorespiratory system function, and behavioral disorders. Nevertheless, the impact of external cannabinoids on cardiorespiratory network development, chemosensitivity, and its future consequences in adulthood is still unclear. We evaluated the effects of prenatal exposure to a synthetic cannabinoid (WIN 55,212-2, 0.5 mg·kg-1·day-1) on the cardiorespiratory control and panic-like behavior of male and female rats in adulthood. Exogenous cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy resulted in a sex-dependent difference in breathing control. Specifically, males showed increased chemosensitivity to CO2 and O2, whereas females exhibited decreased sensitivity. Altered cardiovascular control was evident, with prenatally treated males and females being more susceptible to hypertension and tachycardia under adverse environmental conditions. Moreover, WIN-treated males exhibited higher fragmentation of sleep episodes, whereas females displayed anxiolytic and panicolytic behavioral responses to CO2. However, no changes were observed in the mechanical component of the respiratory system, and there were no neuroanatomical alterations, such as changes in the expression of CB1 receptors in the brainstem or in the quantification of catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons. These findings highlight that external interference in cannabinoid signaling during fetal development causes sex-specific, long-lasting effects for the cardiorespiratory system and behavioral responses in adulthood.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The surge in recreational cannabis use and cannabinoid-based medication prescription among pregnant women has been notable in recent years, fueled by the misconception that natural products are inherently safe. Significant gaps persist regarding the potential risks of maternal consumption of cannabinoids and the long-term effects on the cardiorespiratory system of their offspring, which may be determined by sex. Accordingly, this research aims to diminish this lack of information and raise a note of caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Gustavo A Patrone
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Alana T Frias
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Gabriel T Fantinatti
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Angelita M Stabile
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wilfried Klein
- Department of Biology, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Kênia C Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Luciane H Gargaglioni
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Kilpatrick LA, Gupta A, Meriwether D, Mahurkar-Joshi S, Li VW, Sohn J, Reist J, Labus JS, Dong T, Jacobs JP, Naliboff BD, Chang L, Mayer EA. Differential brainstem connectivity according to sex and menopausal status in healthy men and women. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4875269. [PMID: 39184081 PMCID: PMC11343298 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4875269/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Brainstem nuclei play a critical role in both ascending monoaminergic modulation of cortical function and arousal, and in descending bulbospinal pain modulation. Even though sex-related differences in the function of both systems have been reported in animal models, a complete understanding of sex differences, as well as menopausal effects, in brainstem connectivity in humans is lacking. This study evaluated resting-state connectivity of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), right and left locus coeruleus complex (LCC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG) according to sex and menopausal status in healthy individuals. In addition, relationships between systemic estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were examined in a subset of participants. Methods Resting-state fMRI was performed in 50 healthy men (age, 31.2 ± 8.0 years), 53 healthy premenopausal women (age, 24.7 ± 7.3 years; 22 in the follicular phase, 31 in the luteal phase), and 20 postmenopausal women (age, 54.6 ± 7.2 years). Permutation Analysis of Linear Models (5000 permutations) was used to evaluate differences in brainstem-network connectivity according to sex and menopausal status, controlling for age. In 10 men and 17 women (9 premenopausal; 8 postmenopausal), estrogen and estrogen metabolite levels in plasma and stool were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Relationships between estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were evaluated by partial least squares analysis. Results Left LCC-executive control network (ECN) connectivity showed an overall sex difference (p = 0.02), with higher connectivity in women than in men; however, this was mainly due to differences between men and pre-menopausal women (p = 0.008). Additional sex differences were dependent on menopausal status: PAG-default mode network (DMN) connectivity was higher in postmenopausal women than in men (p = 0.04), and PAG-sensorimotor network (SMN) connectivity was higher in premenopausal women than in men (p = 0.03) and postmenopausal women (p = 0.007). Notably, higher free 2-hydroxyestrone levels in stool were associated with higher PAG-SMN and PAG-DMN connectivity in premenopausal women (p < 0.01). Conclusions Healthy women show higher brainstem-network connectivity involved in cognitive control, sensorimotor function, and self-relevant processes than men, dependent on their menopausal status. Further, 2-hydroxyestrone, implicated in pain, may modulate PAG connectivity in premenopausal women. These findings may relate to differential vulnerabilities to chronic stress-sensitive disorders at different life stages.
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Craig GE, Ramos L, Essig SR, Eagles NJ, Jaffe AE, Martinowich K, Hallock HL. Stimulation of locus coeruleus inputs to the frontal cortex in mice induces cell type-specific expression of the Apoe gene. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.22.604695. [PMID: 39091890 PMCID: PMC11291023 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.22.604695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Deficits in attention are common across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. A multitude of brain regions, including the frontal cortex (FC) and locus coeruleus (LC), have been implicated in attention. Regulators of these brain regions at the molecular level are not well understood, but might elucidate underlying mechanisms of disorders with attentional deficits. To probe this, we used chemogenetic stimulation of neurons in the LC with axonal projections to the FC, and subsequent bulk RNA-sequencing from the mouse FC. We found that stimulation of this circuit caused an increase in transcription of the Apoe gene. To investigate cell type-specific expression of Apoe in the FC, we used a dual-virus approach to express either the excitatory DREADD receptor hM3Dq in LC neurons with projections to the FC, or a control virus, and found that increases in Apoe expression in the FC following depolarization of LC inputs is enriched in GABAergic neurons in a sex-dependent manner. The results of these experiments yield insights into how Apoe expression affects function in cortical microcircuits that are important for attention-guided behavior, and point to interneuron-specific expression of Apoe as a potential target for the amelioration of attention symptoms in disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lizbeth Ramos
- Neuroscience Program, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, 18042, USA
| | - Samuel R. Essig
- Neuroscience Program, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, 18042, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Eagles
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Andrew E. Jaffe
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Keri Martinowich
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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7
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Herrera-Pérez JJ, Hernández-Hernández OT, Flores-Ramos M, Cueto-Escobedo J, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Martínez-Mota L. The intersection between menopause and depression: overview of research using animal models. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1408878. [PMID: 39081530 PMCID: PMC11287658 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Menopausal women may experience symptoms of depression, sometimes even progressing clinical depression requiring treatment to improve quality of life. While varying levels of estrogen in perimenopause may contribute to an increased biological vulnerability to mood disturbances, the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the relief of depressive symptoms remains controversial. Menopausal depression has a complex, multifactorial etiology, that has limited the identification of optimal treatment strategies for the management of this psychiatric complaint. Nevertheless, clinical evidence increasingly supports the notion that estrogen exerts neuroprotective effects on brain structures related to mood regulation. Indeed, research using preclinical animal models continues to improve our understanding of menopause and the effectiveness of ERT and other substances at treating depression-like behaviors. However, questions regarding the efficacy of ERT in perimenopause have been raised. These questions may be answered by further investigation using specific animal models of reduced ovarian function. This review compares and discusses the advantages and pitfalls of different models emulating the menopausal stages and their relationship with the onset of depressive-like signs, as well as the efficacy and mechanisms of conventional and novel ERTs in treating depressive-like behavior. Ovariectomized young rats, middle-to-old aged intact rats, and females treated with reprotoxics have all been used as models of menopause, with stages ranging from surgical menopause to perimenopause. Additionally, this manuscript discusses the impact of organistic and therapeutic variables that may improve or reduce the antidepressant response of females to ERT. Findings from these models have revealed the complexity of the dynamic changes occurring in brain function during menopausal transition, reinforcing the idea that the best approach is timely intervention considering the opportunity window, in addition to the careful selection of treatment according to the presence or absence of reproductive tissue. Additionally, data from animal models has yielded evidence to support new promising estrogens that could be considered as ERTs with antidepressant properties and actions in endocrine situations in which traditional ERTs are not effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Olivia Tania Hernández-Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías Research Fellow. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Flores-Ramos
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo
- Departamento de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa-Enríquez, Mexico
| | | | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
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8
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Ludwig M, Yi YJ, Lüsebrink F, Callaghan MF, Betts MJ, Yakupov R, Weiskopf N, Dolan RJ, Düzel E, Hämmerer D. Functional locus coeruleus imaging to investigate an ageing noradrenergic system. Commun Biol 2024; 7:777. [PMID: 38937535 PMCID: PMC11211439 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC), our main source of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain, declines with age and is a potential epicentre of protein pathologies in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). In vivo measurements of LC integrity and function are potentially important biomarkers for healthy ageing and early ND onset. In the present study, high-resolution functional MRI (fMRI), a reversal reinforcement learning task, and dedicated post-processing approaches were used to visualise age differences in LC function (N = 50). Increased LC responses were observed during emotionally and task-related salient events, with subsequent accelerations and decelerations in reaction times, respectively, indicating context-specific adaptive engagement of the LC. Moreover, older adults exhibited increased LC activation compared to younger adults, indicating possible compensatory overactivation of a structurally declining LC in ageing. Our study shows that assessment of LC function is a promising biomarker of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Ludwig
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- CBBS Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Yeo-Jin Yi
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Falk Lüsebrink
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- NMR Methods Development Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martina F Callaghan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Betts
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- CBBS Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Renat Yakupov
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raymond J Dolan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Max Planck University College London Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London, UK
| | - Emrah Düzel
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dorothea Hämmerer
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- CBBS Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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9
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Grissom NM, Glewwe N, Chen C, Giglio E. Sex mechanisms as nonbinary influences on cognitive diversity. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105544. [PMID: 38643533 PMCID: PMC11338071 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Essentially all neuropsychiatric diagnoses show some degree of sex and/or gender differences in their etiology, diagnosis, or prognosis. As a result, the roles of sex-related variables in behavior and cognition are of strong interest to many, with several lines of research showing effects on executive functions and value-based decision making in particular. These findings are often framed within a sex binary, with behavior of females described as less optimal than male "defaults"-- a framing that pits males and females against each other and deemphasizes the enormous overlap in fundamental neural mechanisms across sexes. Here, we propose an alternative framework in which sex-related factors encompass just one subset of many sources of valuable diversity in cognition. First, we review literature establishing multidimensional, nonbinary impacts of factors related to sex chromosomes and endocrine mechanisms on cognition, focusing on value- based decision-making tasks. Next, we present two suggestions for nonbinary interpretations and analyses of sex-related data that can be implemented by behavioral neuroscientists without devoting laboratory resources to delving into mechanisms underlying sex differences. We recommend (1) shifting interpretations of behavior away from performance metrics and towards strategy assessments to avoid the fallacy that the performance of one sex is worse than another; and (2) asking how much variance sex explains in measures and whether any differences are mosaic rather than binary, to avoid assuming that sex differences in separate measures are inextricably correlated. Nonbinary frameworks in research on cognition will allow neuroscience to represent the full spectrum of brains and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Grissom
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States of America.
| | - Nic Glewwe
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Cathy Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Erin Giglio
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States of America
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10
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Bedard ML, Huang XP, Murray JG, Nowlan AC, Conley SY, Mott SE, Loyack SJ, Cline CA, Clodfelter CG, Dasgupta N, Krumm B, Roth BL, McElligott ZA. Xylazine is an agonist at kappa opioid receptors and exhibits sex-specific responses to opioid antagonism. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 11:100155. [PMID: 39086495 PMCID: PMC11290297 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2024.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Xylazine is in the unregulated drug supply at increasing rates, usually combined with fentanyl, necessitating understanding of its pharmacology. Despite commentary from politicians, and public health officials, it is unknown how xylazine impacts naloxone efficacy, and. few studies have examined it alone. Here, we examine the impact of xylazine alone and in combination with fentanyl on several behaviors in mice. Surprisingly, naloxone precipitates withdrawal from xylazine and fentanyl/xylazine coadministration, with enhanced sensitivity in females. Further, xylazine is a full agonist at kappa opioid receptors, a potential mechanism for its naloxone sensitivity. Finally, we demonstrate surprising effects of xylazine to kappa opioid antagonism, which are relevant for public health considerations. These data address an ongoing health crisis and will help inform critical policy and healthcare decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madigan L. Bedard
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Jackson G. Murray
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Alexandra C. Nowlan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Sara Y. Conley
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Sarah E. Mott
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Samuel J. Loyack
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Calista A. Cline
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Caroline G. Clodfelter
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Injury Prevention Research Center, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Brian Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Zoe A. McElligott
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
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11
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Kim AJ, Nguyen K, Mather M. Eye movements reveal age differences in how arousal modulates saliency priority but not attention processing speed. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592619. [PMID: 38766110 PMCID: PMC11100628 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The arousal-biased competition theory posits that inducing arousal increases attentional priority of salient stimuli while reducing priority of non-pertinent stimuli. However, unlike in young adults, older adults rarely exhibit shifts in priority under increased arousal, and prior studies have proposed different neural mechanisms to explain how arousal differentially modulates selective attention in older adults. Therefore, we investigated how the threat of unpredictable shock differentially modulates attentional control mechanisms in young and older adults by observing eye movements. Participants completed two oculomotor search tasks in which the salient distractor was typically captured by attention (singleton search) or proactively suppressed (feature search). We found that arousal did not modulate attentional priority for any stimulus among older adults nor affect the speed of attention processing in either age group. Furthermore, we observed that arousal modulated pupil sizes and found a correlation between evoked pupil responses and oculomotor function. Our findings suggest age differences in how the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system interacts with neural networks of attention and oculomotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Jeesu Kim
- University of Southern California, School of Gerontology
| | | | - Mara Mather
- University of Southern California, School of Gerontology
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12
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Ahlbrand R, Wilson A, Woller P, Sachdeva Y, Lai J, Davis N, Wiggins J, Sah R. Sex-specific threat responding and neuronal engagement in carbon dioxide associated fear and extinction: Noradrenergic involvement in female mice. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100617. [PMID: 38433995 PMCID: PMC10907837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Difficulty in appropriately responding to threats is a key feature of psychiatric disorders, especially fear-related conditions such as panic disorder (PD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most prior work on threat and fear regulation involves exposure to external threatful cues. However, fear can also be triggered by aversive, within-the-body, sensations. This interoceptive signaling of fear is highly relevant to PD and PTSD but is not well understood, especially in the context of sex. Using female and male mice, the current study investigated fear-associated spontaneous and conditioned behaviors to carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation, a potent interoceptive threat that induces fear and panic. We also investigated whether behavioral sensitivity to CO2 is associated with delayed PTSD-relevant behaviors. CO2 evoked heterogenous freezing behaviors in both male and female animals. However, active, rearing behavior was significantly reduced in CO2-exposed male but not female mice. Interestingly, behavioral sensitivity to CO2 was associated with compromised fear extinction, independent of sex. However, in comparison to CO2-exposed males, females elicited less freezing and higher rearing during extinction suggesting an engagement of active versus passive defensive coping. Persistent neuronal activation marker ΔFosB immuno-mapping revealed attenuated engagement of infralimbic-prefrontal areas in both sexes but higher activation of brain stem locus coeruleus (LC) area in females. Inter-regional co-activation mapping revealed sex-independent disruptions in the infralimbic-amygdala associations but altered LC associations only in CO2-exposed female mice. Lastly, dopamine β hydroxylase positive (DβH + ve) noradrenergic neuronal cell counts in the LC correlated with freezing and rearing behaviors during CO2 inhalation and extinction only in female but not male mice. Collectively, these data provide evidence for higher active defensive responding to interoceptive threat CO2-associated fear in females that may stem from increased recruitment of the brainstem noradrenergic system. Our findings reveal distinct contributory mechanisms that may promote sex differences in fear and panic associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ahlbrand
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Allison Wilson
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Patrick Woller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Yuv Sachdeva
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Jayden Lai
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Nikki Davis
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - James Wiggins
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Renu Sah
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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13
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Li J, Wang X, Liu M, Yin Y, Wu Y, Xu G, Ma X. Sex-specific grey matter abnormalities in individuals with chronic insomnia. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2301-2310. [PMID: 38063921 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported sex differences in altered brain function in patients with chronic insomnia (CI). However, sex-related alterations in brain morphology have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific grey matter (GM) alterations in patients with CI and to examine the relationship between GM alterations and neuropsychological assessments. Ninety-three (65 females and 28 males) patients and 78 healthy (50 females and 28 males) controls were recruited. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were analysed using voxel-based morphometry to test for interactions between sex and diagnosis. Spearman's correlation was used to assess the associations among structure, disease duration, and sleep-, mood-, and cognition-related assessments. Males with CI showed reduced GM volume in the left inferior parietal lobe, left middle cingulate cortex, and right supramarginal gyrus. Females with CI showed increased GM volume in the right Rolandic operculum. Moreover, mood-related assessments were negatively correlated with GM volumes in the right supramarginal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobe in the male patients, and cognitive-related assessments were positively correlated with GM volumes in the Rolandic operculum in the female patients. Our findings indicate sex-specific alterations in brain morphology in CI, thereby broadening our understanding of sex differences in CI and potentially providing complementary evidence for the development of more effective therapies and individual treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Li
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medial University, No. 253 Industrial Avenue Central, Guangzhou, 510260, P. R. China
| | - Xinzhi Wang
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Mengchen Liu
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yin
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Yunfan Wu
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Guang Xu
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofen Ma
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No.466 Road XinGang, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medial University, No. 253 Industrial Avenue Central, Guangzhou, 510260, P. R. China.
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Lee J, Wang ZM, Messi ML, Milligan C, Furdui CM, Delbono O. Sex differences in single neuron function and proteomics profiles examined by patch-clamp and mass spectrometry in the locus coeruleus of the adult mouse. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14123. [PMID: 38459766 PMCID: PMC11021178 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to characterize the properties of locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons in male and female mice. We also sought to investigate sex-specific differences in membrane properties, action potential generation, and protein expression profiles to understand the mechanisms underlying neuronal excitability variations. METHODS Utilizing a genetic mouse model by crossing Dbhcre knock-in mice with tdTomato Ai14 transgenic mice, LC neurons were identified using fluorescence microscopy. Neuronal functional properties were assessed using patch-clamp recordings. Proteomic analyses of individual LC neuron soma was conducted using mass spectrometry to discern protein expression profiles. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD045844. RESULTS Female LC noradrenergic neurons displayed greater membrane capacitance than those in male mice. Male LC neurons demonstrated greater spontaneous and evoked action potential generation compared to females. Male LC neurons exhibited a lower rheobase and achieved higher peak frequencies with similar current injections. Proteomic analysis revealed differences in protein expression profiles between sexes, with male mice displaying a notably larger unique protein set compared to females. Notably, pathways pertinent to protein synthesis, degradation, and recycling, such as EIF2 and glucocorticoid receptor signaling, showed reduced expression in females. CONCLUSIONS Male LC noradrenergic neurons exhibit higher intrinsic excitability compared to those from females. The discernible sex-based differences in excitability could be ascribed to varying protein expression profiles, especially within pathways that regulate protein synthesis and degradation. This study lays the groundwork for future studies focusing on the interplay between proteomics and neuronal function examined in individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Zhong-Min Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - María Laura Messi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Carol Milligan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Cristina M. Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Osvaldo Delbono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
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15
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Shupe EA, Kerman IA, Clinton SM. Premotor projections from the locus coeruleus and periaqueductal grey are altered in two rat models with inborn differences in emotional behavior. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:857-867. [PMID: 38358538 PMCID: PMC10972925 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Emotionally motivated behaviors rely on the coordinated activity of descending neural circuits involved in motor and autonomic functions. Using a pseudorabies (PRV) tract-tracing approach in typically behaving rats, our group previously identified descending premotor, presympathetic, and dual-labeled premotor-presympathetic populations throughout the central rostral-caudal axis. The premotor-presympathetic populations are thought to integrate somatomotor and sympathetic activity. To determine whether these circuits are dysregulated in subjects with altered emotional regulation, subsequent neuroanatomical analyses were performed in male subjects of two distinct genetic models relevant to clinical depression and anxiety: the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat and selectively bred Low Novelty Responder (bLR) rat. The present study explored alterations in premotor efferents from locus coeruleus (LC) and subdivisions of the periaqueductal grey (PAG), two areas involved in emotionally motivated behaviors. Compared to Sprague Dawley rats, WKY rats had significantly fewer premotor projections to hindlimb skeletal muscle from the LC and from the dorsomedial (DMPAG), lateral (LPAG), and ventrolateral (VLPAG) subdivisions of PAG. Relative to selectively bred High Novelty Responder (bHR) rats, bLR rats had significantly fewer premotor efferents from LC and dorsolateral PAG (DLPAG). Cumulatively, these results demonstrate that somatomotor circuitry in several brain areas involved in responses to stress and emotional stimuli are altered in rat models with depression-relevant phenotypes. These somatomotor circuit differences could be implicated in motor-related impairments in clinically depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilan A Kerman
- Behavioral Service Line, Veterans Affairs Minneapolis Health Care, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah M Clinton
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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16
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Mayne P, Das J, Zou S, Sullivan RKP, Burne THJ. Perineuronal nets are associated with decision making under conditions of uncertainty in female but not male mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 461:114845. [PMID: 38184206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex influences decision-making processes in significant ways, differentiating the responses animals choose when faced with a range of stimuli. The neurobiological underpinnings that dictate sex differences in decision-making tasks remains an important open question, yet single-sex studies of males form most studies in behavioural neuroscience. Here we used female and male BALB/c mice on two spatial learning and memory tasks and examined the expression of perineuronal nets (PNNs) and parvalbumin interneurons (PV) in regions correlated with spatial memory. Mice underwent the aversive active place avoidance (APA) task or the appetitive trial-unique nonmatching-to-location (TUNL) touchscreen task. Mice in the APA cohort learnt to avoid the foot-shock and no differences were observed on key measures of the task nor in the number and intensity of PNNs and PV. On the delay but not separation manipulation in the TUNL task, females received more incorrect trials and less correct trials compared to males. Furthermore, females in this cohort exhibited higher intensity PNNs and PV cells in the agranular and granular retrosplenial cortex, compared to males. These data show that female and male mice perform similarly on spatial learning tasks. However, sex differences in neural circuitry may underly differences in making decisions under conditions of uncertainty on an appetitive task. These data emphasise the importance of using mice of both sexes in studies of decision-making neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Mayne
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joyosmita Das
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Simin Zou
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert K P Sullivan
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas H J Burne
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia.
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Lynch MA. A case for seeking sex-specific treatments in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1346621. [PMID: 38414633 PMCID: PMC10897030 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1346621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
There is no satisfactory explanation for the sex-related differences in the incidence of many diseases and this is also true of Alzheimer's disease (AD), where females have a higher lifetime risk of developing the disease and make up about two thirds of the AD patient population. The importance of understanding the cause(s) that account for this disproportionate distribution cannot be overestimated, and is likely to be a significant factor in the search for therapeutic strategies that will combat the disease and, furthermore, potentially point to a sex-targeted approach to treatment. This review considers the literature in the context of what is known about the impact of sex on processes targeted by drugs that are in clinical trial for AD, and existing knowledge on differing responses of males and females to these drugs. Current knowledge strongly supports the view that trials should make assessing sex-related difference in responses a priority with a focus on exploring the sex-stratified treatments.
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18
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Rahimi-Danesh M, Samizadeh MA, Sajadi AE, Rezvankhah T, Vaseghi S. Sex difference affects fear extinction but not lithium efficacy in rats following fear-conditioning with respect to the hippocampal level of BDNF. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 234:173675. [PMID: 37972713 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In rodents, exposure to electrical shock and creating a strong fear memory using fear-conditioning model can induce PTSD-like behavior. In this study, we induced a fear-conditioning model in rats and investigated freezing (PTSD-like) behavior, 21 days after three shocks exposure (0.6 mA, 3 s, 30 seconds interval) in both male and female rats. Lithium was injected intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) in three protocols: (1) 1 h after fear-conditioning (2) 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after fear-conditioning (3), 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after fear-conditioning. Extinction training (20 sounds without shocks, 75 dB, 3 s, 30 seconds interval) was performed in three protocols: (1) 1 h after fear-conditioning (one session), (2) 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after fear-conditioning (three sessions), (3), 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after fear-conditioning (five sessions). Forced swim test (FST) and hot plate were used to assess behavior. Results showed that lithium in all protocols had no effect on freezing behavior, FST, and pain subthreshold in all rats. Extinction training decreased freezing behavior, with more efficacy in females. In males, only 5-session training was effective, while in females all protocols were effective. Extinction training also altered pain perception and the results of FST, depending on the sessions and was different in males and females. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA level was increased in females following 3 and 5 sessions, and in males following 5 sessions extinction training. In conclusion, we suggested that there is a sex difference for the effect of extinction training on freezing behavior and BDNF mRNA level in a rat model of fear-conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrsa Rahimi-Danesh
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Samizadeh
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amir-Ehsan Sajadi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Tara Rezvankhah
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran; Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
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Wilson LR, Plummer NW, Evsyukova IY, Patino D, Stewart CL, Smith KG, Konrad KS, Fry SA, Deal AL, Kilonzo VW, Panda S, Sciolino NR, Cushman JD, Jensen P. Partial or Complete Loss of Norepinephrine Differentially Alters Contextual Fear and Catecholamine Release Dynamics in Hippocampal CA1. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:51-60. [PMID: 38058990 PMCID: PMC10695841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Contextual fear learning is heavily dependent on the hippocampus. Despite evidence that catecholamines contribute to contextual encoding and memory retrieval, the precise temporal dynamics of their release in the hippocampus during behavior is unknown. In addition, new animal models are required to probe the effects of altered catecholamine synthesis on release dynamics and contextual learning. Methods We generated 2 new mouse models of altered locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (NE) synthesis and utilized them together with GRABNE and GRABDA sensors and in vivo fiber photometry to investigate NE and dopamine (DA) release dynamics in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 during contextual fear conditioning. Results Aversive foot shock increased both NE and DA release in the dorsal CA1, while freezing behavior associated with recall of fear memory was accompanied by decreased release. Moreover, we found that freezing at the recent time point was sensitive to both partial and complete loss of locus coeruleus-NE synthesis throughout prenatal and postnatal development, similar to previous observations of mice with global loss of NE synthesis beginning postnatally. In contrast, freezing at the remote time point was compromised only by complete loss of locus coeruleus-NE synthesis beginning prenatally. Conclusions Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the role of NE in contextual fear and the precise temporal dynamics of both NE and DA during freezing behavior and highlight complex relationships between genotype, sex, and NE signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie R. Wilson
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Nicholas W. Plummer
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Irina Y. Evsyukova
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Daniela Patino
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Casey L. Stewart
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen G. Smith
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Kathryn S. Konrad
- Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Corp Company, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sydney A. Fry
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Alex L. Deal
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Victor W. Kilonzo
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Sambit Panda
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Natale R. Sciolino
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for System Genomics, Connecticut Institute for the Brain & Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Jesse D. Cushman
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Patricia Jensen
- Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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McIntosh R, Hoogerwoerd H, Ahmad SS, Michel C, Dillon K, Kumar M, Ironson G. A 4-session written emotional disclosure intervention lowers 6-month sympathoadrenal urinary output in persons living with HIV. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106403. [PMID: 37839156 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that a brief guided written emotional disclosure (WED) intervention resulted in significant reductions in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology in women, but not men, living with HIV. Levels of 24-hour urinary output of epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) are shown to be elevated in persons diagnosed with PTSD. The current study tested whether there was an effect for the 4-week WED intervention on 6-month change in urinary E and NE output amongst persons living with HIV. METHOD Fourteen women and 11 men living with HIV randomized to four 30-min expressive writing sessions of either trauma writing or daily events writing in the parent trial were included based upon collection of urine specimens at baseline, 1-, and 6-months after the intervention. Total volume (µg) and concentration (µg/ml) of urinary E and NE were derived from the specimens as study outcomes. RESULTS Four repeated measures analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to evaluate study outcomes using trauma- versus daily-writing as the between-subject factors and collection time point as the within-subject factor, controlling for age and sex. A group x time interaction was observed wherein the trauma writing treatment group showed a significantly greater decrease in total urinary output, F(2, 46) = 4.03, p = .03, and concentration, F(2, 46) = 4.74, p = .01 of epinepherine. Post-hoc analyses revealed the interaction effect for the total, F(2, 22) = 4.82, p = .03, and concentration, F(2, 22) = 7.57, p = .005, of urinary E output over 6-months was significant for women. Interactions were not observed in urinary NE output. CONCLUSIONS Significant reductions in the total output and concentration of urinary E were found up to 6-months following initiation of a 4-session guided written emotional disclosure intervention. Profiles of sympathoadrenal activity and response to expressive writing differ between men and women living with HIV. Futher research is need to characterize the putative pathways linking sympathoadrenal response to upstream neurobiological function and downstream inflammatory-immune status in women living with HIV and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger McIntosh
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Hannah Hoogerwoerd
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Salman S Ahmad
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cassandra Michel
- Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Dillon
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mahendra Kumar
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Rosenberg MF, Godoy MI, Wade SD, Paredes MF, Zhang Y, Molofsky AV. β-Adrenergic Signaling Promotes Morphological Maturation of Astrocytes in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8621-8636. [PMID: 37845031 PMCID: PMC10727121 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0357-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play essential roles in the developing nervous system, including supporting synapse function. These astrocyte support functions emerge coincident with brain maturation and may be tailored in a region-specific manner. For example, gray matter astrocytes have elaborate synapse-associated processes and are morphologically and molecularly distinct from white matter astrocytes. This raises the question of whether there are unique environmental cues that promote gray matter astrocyte identity and synaptogenic function. We previously identified adrenergic receptors as preferentially enriched in developing gray versus white matter astrocytes, suggesting that noradrenergic signaling could be a cue that promotes the functional maturation of gray matter astrocytes. We first characterized noradrenergic projections during postnatal brain development in mouse and human, finding that process density was higher in the gray matter and increased concurrently with astrocyte maturation. RNA sequencing revealed that astrocytes in both species expressed α- and β-adrenergic receptors. We found that stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors increased primary branching of rodent astrocytes in vitro Conversely, astrocyte-conditional knockout of the β1-adrenergic receptor reduced the size of gray matter astrocytes and led to dysregulated sensorimotor integration in female mice. These studies suggest that adrenergic signaling to developing astrocytes impacts their morphology and has implications for adult behavior, particularly in female animals. More broadly, they demonstrate a mechanism through which environmental cues impact astrocyte development. Given the key roles of norepinephrine in brain states, such as arousal, stress, and learning, these findings could prompt further inquiry into how developmental stressors impact astrocyte development and adult brain function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study demonstrates a role for noradrenergic signaling in the development of gray matter astrocytes. We provide new evidence that the β1-adrenergic receptor is robustly expressed by both mouse and human astrocytes, and that conditional KO of the β1-adrenergic receptor from female mouse astrocytes impairs gray matter astrocyte maturation. Moreover, female conditional KO mice exhibit behavioral deficits in two paradigms that test sensorimotor function. Given the emerging interest in moving beyond RNA sequencing to probe specific pathways that underlie astrocyte heterogeneity, this study provides a foundation for future investigation into the effect of noradrenergic signaling on astrocyte functions in conditions where noradrenergic signaling is altered, such as stress, arousal, and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marci F Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Marlesa I Godoy
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Sarah D Wade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Mercedes F Paredes
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Anna V Molofsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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22
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Gheidi A, Davidson CJ, Simpson SC, Yahya MA, Sadik N, Mascarin AT, Perrine SA. Norepinephrine depletion in the brain sex-dependently modulates aspects of spatial learning and memory in female and male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2585-2595. [PMID: 37658879 PMCID: PMC11069163 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06453-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The contribution of norepinephrine on the different phases of spatial memory processing remains incompletely understood. To address this gap, this study depleted norepinephrine in the brain and then conducted a spatial learning task with multiple phases. METHODS Male and female Wistar rats were administered 50 mg/kg/i.p. of DSP-4 (N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine) to deplete norepinephrine. After 10 days, rats were trained on a 20-hole Barnes maze spatial navigation task for 5 days. On the fifth day, animals were euthanized and HPLC was used to confirm depletion of norepinephrine in select brain regions. In Experiment 2, rats underwent a similar Barnes maze procedure that continued beyond day 5 to investigate memory retrieval and updating via a single probe trial and two reversal learning periods. RESULTS Rats did not differ in Barnes maze acquisition between DSP-4 and saline-injected rats; however, initial acquisition differed between the sexes. HPLC analysis confirmed selective depletion of norepinephrine in dorsal hippocampus and cingulate cortex without impact to other monoamines. When retrieval was tested through a probe trial, DSP-4-improved memory retrieval in males but impaired it in females. Cognitive flexibility was transiently impacted by DSP-4 in males only. CONCLUSIONS Despite significantly reducing levels of norepinephrine, DSP-4 had only a modest impact on spatial learning and behavioral flexibility. Memory retrieval and early reversal learning were most affected and in a sex-specific manner. These data suggest that norepinephrine has sex-specific neuromodulatory effects on memory retrieval with a lesser effect on cognitive flexibility and no impact on acquisition of learned behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Gheidi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, 1550 College St., Macon, GA, 31207, USA.
| | - Cameron J Davidson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Serena C Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Majd A Yahya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nareen Sadik
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alixandria T Mascarin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shane A Perrine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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23
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Pace SA, Myers B. Hindbrain Adrenergic/Noradrenergic Control of Integrated Endocrine and Autonomic Stress Responses. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad178. [PMID: 38015813 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Hindbrain adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei facilitate endocrine and autonomic responses to physical and psychological challenges. Neurons that synthesize adrenaline and noradrenaline target hypothalamic structures to modulate endocrine responses while descending spinal projections regulate sympathetic function. Furthermore, these neurons respond to diverse stress-related metabolic, autonomic, and psychosocial challenges. Accordingly, adrenergic and noradrenergic nuclei are integrative hubs that promote physiological adaptation to maintain homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms through which adrenaline- and noradrenaline-synthesizing neurons sense interoceptive and exteroceptive cues to coordinate physiological responses have yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the regulatory role of these cells in the context of chronic stress has received limited attention. This mini-review consolidates reports from preclinical rodent studies on the organization and function of brainstem adrenaline and noradrenaline cells to provide a framework for how these nuclei coordinate endocrine and autonomic physiology. This includes identification of hindbrain adrenaline- and noradrenaline-producing cell groups and their role in stress responding through neurosecretory and autonomic engagement. Although temporally and mechanistically distinct, the endocrine and autonomic stress axes are complementary and interconnected. Therefore, the interplay between brainstem adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei and peripheral physiological systems is necessary for integrated stress responses and organismal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A Pace
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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24
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Traina G, Tuszynski JA. The Neurotransmission Basis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders by the Fear Conditioning Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16327. [PMID: 38003517 PMCID: PMC10671801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear conditioning constitutes the best and most reproducible paradigm to study the neurobiological mechanisms underlying emotions. On the other hand, studies on the synaptic plasticity phenomena underlying fear conditioning present neural circuits enforcing this learning pattern related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Notably, in both humans and the rodent model, fear conditioning and context rely on dependent neurocircuitry in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, and hippocampus. In this review, an overview of the role that classical neurotransmitters play in the contextual conditioning model of fear, and therefore in PTSD, was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Traina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Romana, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy;
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
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25
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Maric I, López-Ferreras L, Bhat Y, Asker M, Börchers S, Bellfy L, Byun S, Kwapis JL, Skibicka KP. From the stomach to locus coeruleus: new neural substrate for ghrelin's effects on ingestive, motivated and anxiety-like behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1286805. [PMID: 38026980 PMCID: PMC10679437 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1286805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a stomach-derived orexigenic hormone, has a well-established role in energy homeostasis, food reward, and emotionality. Noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) are known to play an important role in arousal, emotion, cognition, but recently have also been implicated in control of feeding behavior. Ghrelin receptors (the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR) may be found in the LC, but the behavioral effects of ghrelin signaling in this area are still unexplored. Here, we first determined whether GHSR are present in the rat LC, and demonstrate that GHSR are expressed on noradrenergic neurons in both sexes. We next investigated whether ghrelin controls ingestive and motivated behaviors as well as anxiety-like behavior by acting in the LC. To pursue this idea, we examined the effects of LC GHSR stimulation and blockade on food intake, operant responding for a palatable food reward and, anxiety-like behavior in the open field (OF) and acoustic startle response (ASR) tests in male and female rats. Our results demonstrate that intra-LC ghrelin administration increases chow intake and motivated behavior for sucrose in both sexes. Additionally, females, but not males, exhibited a potent anxiolytic response in the ASR. In order to determine whether activation of GHSR in the LC was necessary for feeding and anxiety behavior control, we utilized liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), a newly identified endogenous GHSR antagonist. LEAP2 delivered specifically into the LC was sufficient to reduce fasting-induced chow hyperphagia in both sexes, but food reward only in females. Moreover, blockade of GHSR in the LC increased anxiety-like behavior measured in the ASR test in both sexes. Taken together, these results indicate that ghrelin acts in the LC to alter ingestive, motivated and anxiety-like behaviors, with a degree of sex divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Maric
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yashaswini Bhat
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stina Börchers
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Lauren Bellfy
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Suyeun Byun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Janine L. Kwapis
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
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26
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Bachman SL, Cole S, Yoo HJ, Nashiro K, Min J, Mercer N, Nasseri P, Thayer JF, Lehrer P, Mather M. Daily heart rate variability biofeedback training decreases locus coeruleus MRI contrast in younger adults in a randomized clinical trial. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 193:112241. [PMID: 37647944 PMCID: PMC10591988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
As an arousal hub region in the brain, the locus coeruleus (LC) has bidirectional connections with the autonomic nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measures of LC structural integrity have been linked to cognition and arousal, but less is known about factors that influence LC structure and function across time. Here, we tested the effects of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, an intervention targeting the autonomic nervous system, on LC MRI contrast and sympathetic activity. Younger and older participants completed daily HRV biofeedback training for five weeks. Those assigned to an experimental condition performed biofeedback involving slow, paced breathing designed to increase heart rate oscillations, whereas those assigned to a control condition performed biofeedback to decrease heart rate oscillations. At the pre- and post-training timepoints, LC contrast was assessed using turbo spin echo MRI scans, and RNA sequencing was used to assess cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated gene expression in circulating blood cells, an index of sympathetic nervous system signaling. We found that left LC contrast decreased in younger participants in the experimental group, and across younger participants, decreases in left LC contrast were related to the extent to which participants increased their heart rate oscillations during training. Furthermore, decreases in left LC contrast were associated with decreased expression of CREB-associated gene transcripts. On the contrary, there were no effects of biofeedback on LC contrast among older participants in the experimental group. These findings provide novel evidence that in younger adults, HRV biofeedback involving slow, paced breathing can decrease both LC contrast and sympathetic nervous system signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L Bachman
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Steve Cole
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Hyun Joo Yoo
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Kaoru Nashiro
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Jungwon Min
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Noah Mercer
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Padideh Nasseri
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Julian F Thayer
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Paul Lehrer
- Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08852, United States of America
| | - Mara Mather
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America.
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27
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Díez-Solinska A, Azkona G, Muñoz-Culla M, Beitia-Oyarzabal G, Goñi-Balentziaga O, Gómez-Lazaro E, Vegas O. The role of sociability in social instability stress: Behavioral, neuroendocrine and monoaminergic effects. Physiol Behav 2023; 270:114306. [PMID: 37516231 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Extensive literature has reported a link between social stress and mental health. In this complex relationship, individual strategies for coping with social stress are thought to have a possible modulating effect, with sociability being a key factor. Despite the higher incidence of affective disorders in females and sex-related neurochemical differences, female populations have been understudied. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to analyze the behavioral, neuroendocrine, and neurochemical effects of stress in female OF1 mice, paying special attention to social connectedness (female mice with high vs low sociability). To this end, subjects were exposed to the Chronic Social Instability Stress (CSIS) model for four weeks. Although female mice exposed to CSIS had increased arousal, there was no evidence of depressive-like behavior. Neither did exposure to CSIS affect corticosterone levels, although it did increase the MR/GR ratio by decreasing GR expression. Female mice exposed to CSIS had higher noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the hippocampus and striatum respectively, with a lower monoaminergic turnover, resulting in an increased arousal. CSIS increased serotonin levels in both the hippocampus and striatum. Similarly, CSIS was found to reduce kynurenic acid, 3-HK, and IDO and iNOS enzyme levels in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the observed decrease in IDO synthesis and the increased serotonin and dopamine levels in the striatum were only found in subjects with high sociability. These highly sociable female mice also had significantly lower levels of noradrenaline in the striatum after CSIS application. Overall, our model has produced neuroendocrine and neurochemical but not behavioral changes, so it has not allowed us to study sociability in depth. Therefore, a model that induces both molecular and behavioral phenotypes should be applied to determine the role of sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Díez-Solinska
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Garikoitz Azkona
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Maider Muñoz-Culla
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; Biodonostia Institute, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Garikoitz Beitia-Oyarzabal
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Olatz Goñi-Balentziaga
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Eneritz Gómez-Lazaro
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Oscar Vegas
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; Biodonostia Institute, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
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28
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Mariscal P, Bravo L, Llorca-Torralba M, Razquin J, Miguelez C, Suárez-Pereira I, Berrocoso E. Sexual differences in locus coeruleus neurons and related behavior in C57BL/6J mice. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:64. [PMID: 37770907 PMCID: PMC10540344 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00550-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to social and cultural factors, sex differences in the central nervous system have a critical influence on behavior, although the neurobiology underlying these differences remains unclear. Interestingly, the Locus Coeruleus (LC), a noradrenergic nucleus that exhibits sexual dimorphism, integrates signals that are related to diverse activities, including emotions, cognition and pain. Therefore, we set-out to evaluate sex differences in behaviors related to LC nucleus, and subsequently, to assess the sex differences in LC morphology and function. METHODS Female and male C57BL/6J mice were studied to explore the role of the LC in anxiety, depressive-like behavior, well-being, pain, and learning and memory. We also explored the number of noradrenergic LC cells, their somatodendritic volume, as well as the electrophysiological properties of LC neurons in each sex. RESULTS While both male and female mice displayed similar depressive-like behavior, female mice exhibited more anxiety-related behaviors. Interestingly, females outperformed males in memory tasks that involved distinguishing objects with small differences and they also showed greater thermal pain sensitivity. Immunohistological analysis revealed that females had fewer noradrenergic cells yet they showed a larger dendritic volume than males. Patch clamp electrophysiology studies demonstrated that LC neurons in female mice had a lower capacitance and that they were more excitable than male LC neurons, albeit with similar action potential properties. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study provides new insights into the sex differences related to LC nucleus and associated behaviors, which may explain the heightened emotional arousal response observed in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mariscal
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Lidia Bravo
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Meritxell Llorca-Torralba
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Cell Biology & Histology, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jone Razquin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48940, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Cristina Miguelez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48940, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Irene Suárez-Pereira
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain.
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29
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Tong RL, Kahn UN, Grafe LA, Hitti FL, Fried NT, Corbett BF. Stress circuitry: mechanisms behind nervous and immune system communication that influence behavior. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1240783. [PMID: 37706039 PMCID: PMC10495591 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1240783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory processes are increased by stress and contribute to the pathology of mood disorders. Stress is thought to primarily induce inflammation through peripheral and central noradrenergic neurotransmission. In healthy individuals, these pro-inflammatory effects are countered by glucocorticoid signaling, which is also activated by stress. In chronically stressed individuals, the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are impaired, allowing pro-inflammatory effects to go unchecked. Mechanisms underlying this glucocorticoid resistance are well understood, but the precise circuits and molecular mechanisms by which stress increases inflammation are not as well known. In this narrative review, we summarize the mechanisms by which chronic stress increases inflammation and contributes to the onset and development of stress-related mood disorders. We focus on the neural substrates and molecular mechanisms, especially those regulated by noradrenergic signaling, that increase inflammatory processes in stressed individuals. We also discuss key knowledge gaps in our understanding of the communication between nervous and immune systems during stress and considerations for future therapeutic strategies. Here we highlight the mechanisms by which noradrenergic signaling contributes to inflammatory processes during stress and how this inflammation can contribute to the pathology of stress-related mood disorders. Understanding the mechanisms underlying crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for mood disorders and/or provide important considerations for treating immune-related diseases in individuals suffering from stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose L. Tong
- Corbett Laboratory, Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Ubaidah N. Kahn
- Fried Laboratory, Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Laura A. Grafe
- Grafe Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States
| | - Frederick L. Hitti
- Hitti Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Nathan T. Fried
- Fried Laboratory, Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Brian F. Corbett
- Corbett Laboratory, Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States
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30
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Heng V, Zigmond M, Smeyne RJ. Neuroanatomical and neurochemical effects of prolonged social isolation in adult mice. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1190291. [PMID: 37662476 PMCID: PMC10471319 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1190291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As social animals, our health depends in part on interactions with other human beings. Yet millions suffer from chronic social isolation, including those in nursing/assisted living facilities, people experiencing chronic loneliness as well as those in enforced isolation within our criminal justice system. While many historical studies have examined the effects of early isolation on the brain, few have examined its effects when this condition begins in adulthood. Here, we developed a model of adult isolation using mice (C57BL/6J) born and raised in an enriched environment. Methods From birth until 4 months of age C57BL/6J mice were raised in an enriched environment and then maintained in that environment or moved to social isolation for 1 or 3 months. We then examined neuronal structure and catecholamine and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels from different regions of the brain, comparing animals from social isolation to enriched environment controls. Results We found significant changes in neuronal volume, dendritic length, neuronal complexity, and spine density that were dependent on brain region, sex, and duration of the isolation. Isolation also altered dopamine in the striatum and serotonin levels in the forebrain in a sex-dependent manner, and also reduced levels of BDNF in the motor cortex and hippocampus of male but not female mice. Conclusion These studies show that isolation that begins in adulthood imparts a significant change on the homeostasis of brain structure and chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibol Heng
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael Zigmond
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richard Jay Smeyne
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Chen CS, Mueller D, Knep E, Ebitz RB, Grissom NM. Dopamine and norepinephrine differentially mediate the exploration-exploitation tradeoff. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523322. [PMID: 36711959 PMCID: PMC9881999 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The catecholamines dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) have been repeatedly implicated in neuropsychiatric vulnerability, in part via their roles in mediating the decision making processes. Although the two neuromodulators share a synthesis pathway and are co-activated under states of arousal, they engage in distinct circuits and roles in modulating neural activity across the brain. However, in the computational neuroscience literature, they have been assigned similar roles in modulating the latent cognitive processes of decision making, in particular the exploration-exploitation tradeoff. Revealing how each neuromodulator contributes to this explore-exploit process will be important in guiding mechanistic hypotheses emerging from computational psychiatric approaches. To understand the differences and overlaps of the roles of these two catecholamine systems in regulating exploration and exploitation, a direct comparison using the same dynamic decision making task is needed. Here, we ran mice in a restless two-armed bandit task, which encourages both exploration and exploitation. We systemically administered a nonselective DA receptor antagonist (flupenthixol), a nonselective DA receptor agonist (apomorphine), a NE beta-receptor antagonist (propranolol), and a NE beta-receptor agonist (isoproterenol), and examined changes in exploration within subjects across sessions. We found a bidirectional modulatory effect of dopamine receptor activity on the level of exploration. Increasing dopamine activity decreased exploration and decreasing dopamine activity increased exploration. Beta-noradrenergic receptor activity also modulated exploration, but the modulatory effect was mediated by sex. Reinforcement learning model parameters suggested that dopamine modulation affected exploration via decision noise and norepinephrine modulation affected exploration via outcome sensitivity. Together, these findings suggested that the mechanisms that govern the transition between exploration and exploitation are sensitive to changes in both catecholamine functions and revealed differential roles for NE and DA in mediating exploration.
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32
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Ma HT, Zhang HC, Zuo ZF, Liu YX. Heterogeneous organization of Locus coeruleus: An intrinsic mechanism for functional complexity. Physiol Behav 2023; 268:114231. [PMID: 37172640 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC) is a small nucleus located deep in the brainstem that contains the majority of central noradrenergic neurons, which provide the primary source of noradrenaline (NA) throughout the entire central nervous system (CNS).The release of neurotransmitter NA is considered to modulate arousal, sensory processing, attention, aversive and adaptive stress responses as well as high-order cognitive function and memory, with the highly ramified axonal arborizations of LC-NA neurons sending wide projections to the targeted brain areas. For over 30 years, LC was thought to be a homogeneous nucleus in structure and function due to the widespread uniform release of NA by LC-NA neurons and simultaneous action in several CNS regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and spinal cord. However, recent advances in neuroscience tools have revealed that LC is probably not so homogeneous as we previous thought and exhibits heterogeneity in various aspects. Accumulating studies have shown that the functional complexity of LC may be attributed to its heterogeneity in developmental origin, projection patterns, topography distribution, morphology and molecular organization, electrophysiological properties and sex differences. This review will highlight the heterogeneity of LC and its critical role in modulating diverse behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121000, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Hao-Chen Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhong-Fu Zuo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Ying-Xue Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China.
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Athanason A, Nadav T, Cates-Gatto C, Roberts A, Roberto M, Varodayan F. Chronic ethanol alters adrenergic receptor gene expression and produces cognitive deficits in male mice. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 24:100542. [PMID: 37197395 PMCID: PMC10184141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperkateifia and stress-induced alcohol cravings drive relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The brain stress signal norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) tightly controls cognitive and affective behavior and was thought to be broadly dysregulated with AUD. The locus coeruleus (LC) is a major source of forebrain norepinephrine, and it was recently discovered that the LC sends distinct projections to addiction-associated regions suggesting that alcohol-induced noradrenergic changes may be more brain region-specific than originally thought. Here we investigated whether ethanol dependence alters adrenergic receptor gene expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and central amgydala (CeA), as these regions mediate the cognitive impairment and negative affective state of ethanol withdrawal. We exposed male C57BL/6J mice to the chronic intermittent ethanol vapor-2 bottle choice paradigm (CIE-2BC) to induce ethanol dependence, and assessed reference memory, anxiety-like behavior and adrenergic receptor transcript levels during 3-6 days of withdrawal. Dependence bidirectionally altered mouse brain α1 and β receptor mRNA levels, potentially leading to reduced mPFC adrenergic signaling and enhanced noradrenergic influence over the CeA. These brain region-specific gene expression changes were accompanied by long-term retention deficits and a shift in search strategy in a modified Barnes maze task, as well as greater spontaneous digging behavior and hyponeophagia. Current clinical studies are evaluating adrenergic compounds as a treatment for AUD-associated hyperkatefia, and our findings can contribute to the refinement of these therapies by increasing understanding of the specific neural systems and symptoms that may be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.C. Athanason
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - T. Nadav
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - C. Cates-Gatto
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - A.J. Roberts
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - M. Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - F.P. Varodayan
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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Munier J, Shen S, Rahal D, Hanna A, Marty V, O'Neill P, Fanselow M, Spigelman I. Chronic intermittent ethanol exposure disrupts stress-related tripartite communication to impact affect-related behavioral selection in male rats. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 24:100539. [PMID: 37131490 PMCID: PMC10149313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by loss of intake control, increased anxiety, and susceptibility to relapse inducing stressors. Both astrocytes and neurons contribute to behavioral and hormonal consequences of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure in animal models. Details on how CIE disrupts hypothalamic neuro-glial communication, which mediates stress responses are lacking. We conducted a behavioral battery (grooming, open field, reactivity to a single, uncued foot-shock, intermittent-access two-bottle choice ethanol drinking) followed by Ca2+ imaging in ex-vivo slices of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) from male rats exposed to CIE vapor or air-exposed controls. Ca2+ signals were evaluated in response to norepinephrine (NE) with or without selective α-adrenergic receptor (αAR) or GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, followed by dexamethasone (DEX) to mock a pharmacological stress response. Expectedly, CIE rats had altered anxiety-like, rearing, grooming, and drinking behaviors. Importantly, NE-mediated reductions in Ca2+ event frequency were blunted in both CIE neurons and astrocytes. Administration of the selective α1AR antagonist, prazosin, reversed this CIE-induced dysfunction in both cell types. Additionally, the pharmacological stress protocol reversed the altered basal Ca2+ signaling profile of CIE astrocytes. Signaling changes in astrocytes in response to NE were correlated with anxiety-like behaviors, such as the grooming:rearing ratio, suggesting tripartite synaptic function plays a role in switching between exploratory and stress-coping behavior. These data show how CIE exposure causes persistent changes to PVN neuro-glial function and provides the groundwork for how these physiological changes manifest in behavioral selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.J. Munier
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems & Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA, United States
- Corresponding author.
| | - S. Shen
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems & Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA, United States
| | - D. Rahal
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - A. Hanna
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems & Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA, United States
| | - V.N. Marty
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems & Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA, United States
| | - P.R. O'Neill
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States
| | - M.S. Fanselow
- Department of Psychology, College of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Science, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States
| | - I. Spigelman
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems & Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA, United States
- Corresponding author. Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems & Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 63-078 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1668, United States.
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Cuevas JS, Watanabe M, Uematsu A, Johansen JP. Whole-brain afferent input mapping to functionally distinct brainstem noradrenaline cell types. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00074-3. [PMID: 37062443 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small region in the pons and the main source of noradrenaline (NA) to the forebrain. While traditional models suggested that all LC-NA neurons project indiscriminately throughout the brain, accumulating evidence indicates that these cells can be heterogeneous based on their anatomical connectivity and behavioral functionality and exhibit distinct coding modes. How LC-NA neuronal subpopulations are endowed with unique functional properties is unclear. Here, we used a viral-genetic approach for mapping anatomical connectivity at different levels of organization based on inputs and outputs of defined cell classes. Specifically, we studied the whole-brain afferent inputs onto two functionally distinct LC-NA neuronal subpopulations which project to amygdala or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that the global input distribution is similar for both LC-NA neuronal subpopulations. However, finer analysis demonstrated important differences in inputs from specific brain regions. Moreover, sex related differences were apparent, but only in inputs to amygdala-projecting LC-NA neurons. These findings reveal a cell type and sex specific afferent input organization which could allow for context dependent and target specific control of NA outflow to forebrain structures involved in emotional control and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sulkes Cuevas
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan 351-0198; Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 0Japan
| | - Mayumi Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan 351-0198; Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 0Japan
| | - Akira Uematsu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joshua P Johansen
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan 351-0198; Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 0Japan.
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Luo BL, Zhang ZZ, Chen J, Liu X, Zhang YM, Yang QG, Chen GH. Effects of gestational inflammation on age-related cognitive decline and hippocampal Gdnf-GFRα1 levels in F1 and F2 generations of CD-1 Mice. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:26. [PMID: 37055728 PMCID: PMC10103445 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00793-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that age-associated cognitive decline (AACD) accelerated by maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) insult during late pregnancy can be transmitted to the second generation in a sex-specificity manner. In turn, recent studies indicated that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its cognate receptor (GFRα1) are critical for normal cognitive function. Based on this evidence, we aimed to explore whether Gdnf-GFRα1 expression contributes to cognitive decline in the F1 and F2 generations of mouse dams exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during late gestation, and to evaluate also the potential interference effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS During gestational days 15-17, pregnant CD-1 mice (8-10 weeks old) received a daily intraperitoneal injection of LPS (50 μg/kg) or saline (control). In utero LPS-exposed F1 generation mice were selectively mated to produce F2 generation mice. In F1 and F2 mice aged 3 and 15 months, the Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluated the spatial learning and memory ability, the western blotting and RT-PCR were used for analyses of hippocampal Gdnf and GFRα1 expression, and ELISA was used to analyse IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in serum. RESULTS Middle-aged F1 offspring from LPS-treated mothers exhibited longer swimming latency and distance during the learning phase, lower percentage swimming time and distance in targe quadrant during memory phase, and lower hippocampal levels of Gdnf and GFRα1 gene products compared to age-matched controls. Similarly, the middle-aged F2 offspring from the Parents-LPS group had longer swimming latency and distance in the learning phase, and lower percentage swimming time and distance in memory phase than the F2-CON group. Moreover, the 3-month-old Parents-LPS and 15-month-old Parents- and Father-LPS groups had lower GDNF and GFRα1 protein and mRNAs levels compared to the age-matched F2-CON group. Furthermore, hippocampal levels of Gdnf and GFRα1 were correlated with impaired cognitive performance in the Morris water maze after controlling for circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that accelerated AACD by maternal LPS exposure can be transmitted across at least two generations through declined Gdnf and GFRα1 expression, mainly via paternal linage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ling Luo
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Gang Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), the Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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37
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Galgani A, Bartolini E, D’Amora M, Faraguna U, Giorgi FS. The Central Noradrenergic System in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Merging Experimental and Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5805. [PMID: 36982879 PMCID: PMC10055776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to highlight the potential role of the locus-coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system in neurodevelopmental disorders (NdDs). The LC is the main brain noradrenergic nucleus, key in the regulation of arousal, attention, and stress response, and its early maturation and sensitivity to perinatal damage make it an interesting target for translational research. Clinical data shows the involvement of the LC-NA system in several NdDs, suggesting a pathogenetic role in the development of such disorders. In this context, a new neuroimaging tool, LC Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), has been developed to visualize the LC in vivo and assess its integrity, which could be a valuable tool for exploring morphological alterations in NdD in vivo in humans. New animal models may be used to test the contribution of the LC-NA system to the pathogenic pathways of NdD and to evaluate the efficacy of NA-targeting drugs. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of how the LC-NA system may represent a common pathophysiological and pathogenic mechanism in NdD and a reliable target for symptomatic and disease-modifying drugs. Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between the LC-NA system and NdD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Galgani
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.)
| | - Emanuele Bartolini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Tuscany PhD Programme in Neurosciences, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Marta D’Amora
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56125 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.)
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Bates MLS, Arner JR, Curtis AL, Valentino R, Bhatnagar S. Sex-specific alterations in corticotropin-releasing factor regulation of coerulear-cortical network activity. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109317. [PMID: 36334761 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine system is a stress responsive system that regulates arousal and cognitive functions through extensive projections, including to the prefrontal cortex. LC-cortical circuits are activated by stressors, and this activation is thought to contribute to stress-induced impairments in executive function. Because corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a mediator of stress-induced LC activation, we examined the effects of CRF administered into the LC of male and female rats on network activity of two functionally distinct regions of the PFC, the medial PFC (mPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Network activity, measured as local field potentials, was recorded in awake animals before and after intra-LC infusion of aCSF or CRF (2 or 20 ng). CRF had qualitatively distinct effects on network activity in males and females with respect to dose, region and timecourse. CRF (20 ng) produced a prominent theta oscillation (7-9 Hz) selectively in female rats shortly after LC infusion and 20 min later. In contrast, in male rats, CRF (2 and 20 ng) decreased the amplitude of power in the 4-6 Hz range in the mPFC 10 min after injection. Lastly, CRF (20 ng) increased mPFC-OFC coherence in females and decreased mPFC-OFC coherence in males. In sum, these results show sex differences in CRF modulation of the LC-norepinephrine system that regulates prefrontal cortical networks, which may underlie sex differences in cognitive and behavioral responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Shawn Bates
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Chico, 400 W. First St, Chico, CA, 95929, USA
| | - Jay R Arner
- Division of Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Abramson Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andre L Curtis
- Division of Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Abramson Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rita Valentino
- Division of Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Abramson Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Division of Stress Neurobiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Abramson Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
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Galgani A, Lombardo F, Martini N, Vergallo A, Bastiani L, Hampel H, Hlavata H, Baldacci F, Tognoni G, De Marchi D, Ghicopulos I, De Cori S, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Ceravolo R, Bonuccelli U, Chiappino D, Siciliano G, Fornai F, Pavese N, Giorgi FS. Magnetic resonance imaging Locus Coeruleus abnormality in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment is associated with future progression to dementia. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:32-46. [PMID: 36086917 PMCID: PMC10092028 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Human neuropathological studies indicate that the pontine nucleus Locus Coeruleus (LC) undergoes significant and early degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. This line of evidence alongside experimental data suggests that the LC functional/structural decay may represent a critical factor for Alzheimer's disease pathophysiological and clinical progression. In the present prospective study, we used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with LC-sensitive sequence (LC-MRI) to investigate in vivo the LC involvement in Alzheimer's disease progression, and whether specific LC-MRI features at baseline are associated with prognosis and cognitive performance in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. METHODS LC-MRI parameters were measured at baseline by a template-based method on 3.0-T magnetic resonance images in 34 patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia, 73 patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, and 53 cognitively intact individuals. A thorough neurological and neuropsychological assessment was performed at baseline and 2.5-year follow-up. RESULTS In subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment who converted to dementia (n = 32), the LC intensity and number of LC-related voxels were significantly lower than in cognitively intact individuals, resembling those observed in demented patients. Such a reduction was not detected in Mild Cognitive Impairment individuals, who remained stable at follow-up. In Mild Cognitive Impairment subjects converting to dementia, LC-MRI parameter reduction was maximal in the rostral part of the left nucleus. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that LC-MRI parameters positively correlate with cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight a potential role of LC-MRI for predicting clinical progression in Mild Cognitive Impairment and support the key role of LC degeneration in the Alzheimer clinical continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Galgani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Cardiovascular and Neuroradiological Multimodal Imaging Unit, G. Monasterio Foundation-National Research Council/Tuscany Region, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Martini
- Deep Health Unit, G. Monasterio Foundation-National Research Council/Tuscany Region, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Luca Bastiani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Harald Hampel
- GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Hana Hlavata
- Cardiovascular and Neuroradiological Multimodal Imaging Unit, G. Monasterio Foundation-National Research Council/Tuscany Region, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Tognoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele De Marchi
- Cardiovascular and Neuroradiological Multimodal Imaging Unit, G. Monasterio Foundation-National Research Council/Tuscany Region, Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Ghicopulos
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara De Cori
- Cardiovascular and Neuroradiological Multimodal Imaging Unit, G. Monasterio Foundation-National Research Council/Tuscany Region, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dante Chiappino
- Cardiovascular and Neuroradiological Multimodal Imaging Unit, G. Monasterio Foundation-National Research Council/Tuscany Region, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Pavese
- Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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40
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Fox HC, Milivojevic V, Sinha R. Therapeutics for Substance-Using Women: The Need to Elucidate Sex-Specific Targets for Better-Tailored Treatments. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 282:127-161. [PMID: 37592081 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, alcohol consumption in the US has risen by 84% in women compared with 35% in men. Furthermore, research has shown that sex- and gender-related differences may disadvantage women in terms of developing a range of psychological, cognitive, and medical problems considerably earlier in their drinking history than men, and despite consuming a similar quantity of substances. While this "telescoping" process has been acknowledged in the literature, a concomitant understanding of the underlying biobehavioral mechanisms, and an increase in the development of specific treatments tailored to women, has not occurred. In the current chapter we focus on understanding why the need for personalized, sex-specific medications is imperative, and highlight some of the potential sex-specific gonadal and stress-related adaptations underpinning the accelerated progress from controlled to compulsive drug and alcohol seeking in women. We additionally discuss the efficacy of these mechanisms as novel targets for medications development, using exogenous progesterone and guanfacine as examples. Finally, we assess some of the challenges faced and progress made in terms of developing innovative medications in women. We suggest that agents such as exogenous progesterone and adrenergic medications, such as guanfacine, may provide some efficacy in terms of attenuating stress-induced craving for several substances, as well as improving the ability to emotionally regulate in the face of stress, preferentially in women. However, to fully leverage the potential of these therapeutics in substance-using women, greater focus needs to the placed on reducing barriers to treatment and research by encouraging women into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C Fox
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Verica Milivojevic
- The Yale Stress Center, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rajita Sinha
- The Yale Stress Center, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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41
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Minné D, Marnewick JL, Engel-Hills P. Early Chronic Stress Induced Changes within the Locus Coeruleus in Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 20:301-317. [PMID: 37872793 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666230811092956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stress throughout the lifespan has been the focus of many studies on Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of the similarities between the biological mechanisms involved in chronic stress and the pathophysiology of AD. In fact, the earliest abnormality associated with the disease is the presence of phosphorylated tau protein in locus coeruleus neurons, a brain structure highly responsive to stress and perceived threat. Here, we introduce allostatic load as a useful concept for understanding many of the complex, interacting neuropathological changes involved in the AD degenerative process. In response to chronic stress, aberrant tau proteins that begin to accumulate within the locus coeruleus decades prior to symptom onset appear to represent a primary pathological event in the AD cascade, triggering a wide range of interacting brain changes involving neuronal excitotoxicity, endocrine alterations, inflammation, oxidative stress, and amyloid plaque exacerbation. While it is acknowledged that stress will not necessarily be the major precipitating factor in all cases, early tau-induced changes within the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine pathway suggests that a therapeutic window might exist for preventative measures aimed at managing stress and restoring balance within the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donné Minné
- Applied Microbial & Health Biotechnology Institute, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
| | - Jeanine L Marnewick
- Applied Microbial & Health Biotechnology Institute, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
| | - Penelope Engel-Hills
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
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42
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Shen Z, Li W, Chang W, Yue N, Yu J. Sex differences in chronic pain-induced mental disorders: Mechanisms of cerebral circuitry. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1102808. [PMID: 36891517 PMCID: PMC9986270 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1102808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders such as anxiety and depression induced by chronic pain are common in clinical practice, and there are significant sex differences in their epidemiology. However, the circuit mechanism of this difference has not been fully studied, as preclinical studies have traditionally excluded female rodents. Recently, this oversight has begun to be resolved and studies including male and female rodents are revealing sex differences in the neurobiological processes behind mental disorder features. This paper reviews the structural functions involved in the injury perception circuit and advanced emotional cortex circuit. In addition, we also summarize the latest breakthroughs and insights into sex differences in neuromodulation through endogenous dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, GABAergic inhibition, norepinephrine, and peptide pathways like oxytocin, as well as their receptors. By comparing sex differences, we hope to identify new therapeutic targets to offer safer and more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuqi Shen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqi Chang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Yue
- Weifang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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43
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Helman TJ, Headrick JP, Stapelberg NJC, Braidy N. The sex-dependent response to psychosocial stress and ischaemic heart disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1072042. [PMID: 37153459 PMCID: PMC10160413 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1072042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is an important risk factor for modern chronic diseases, with distinct influences in males and females. The sex specificity of the mammalian stress response contributes to the sex-dependent development and impacts of coronary artery disease (CAD). Compared to men, women appear to have greater susceptibility to chronic forms of psychosocial stress, extending beyond an increased incidence of mood disorders to include a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of stress-dependent myocardial infarction in women, and up to 10-fold higher risk of Takotsubo syndrome-a stress-dependent coronary-myocardial disorder most prevalent in post-menopausal women. Sex differences arise at all levels of the stress response: from initial perception of stress to behavioural, cognitive, and affective responses and longer-term disease outcomes. These fundamental differences involve interactions between chromosomal and gonadal determinants, (mal)adaptive epigenetic modulation across the lifespan (particularly in early life), and the extrinsic influences of socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Pre-clinical investigations of biological mechanisms support distinct early life programming and a heightened corticolimbic-noradrenaline-neuroinflammatory reactivity in females vs. males, among implicated determinants of the chronic stress response. Unravelling the intrinsic molecular, cellular and systems biological basis of these differences, and their interactions with external lifestyle/socio-cultural determinants, can guide preventative and therapeutic strategies to better target coronary heart disease in a tailored sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa J. Helman
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Correspondence: Tessa J. Helman
| | - John P. Headrick
- Schoolof Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nady Braidy
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
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44
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Barcomb K, Olah SS, Kennedy MJ, Ford CP. Properties and modulation of excitatory inputs to the locus coeruleus. J Physiol 2022; 600:4897-4916. [PMID: 36156249 PMCID: PMC9669264 DOI: 10.1113/jp283605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitatory inputs drive burst firing of locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenaline (NA) neurons in response to a variety of stimuli. Though a small number of glutamatergic LC afferents have been investigated, the overall landscape of these excitatory inputs is largely unknown. The current study used an optogenetic approach to isolate three glutamatergic afferents: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), lateral hypothalamus (LH) and periaqueductal grey (PAG). AAV5-DIO-ChR2 was injected into each region in male and female CaMKII-Cre mice and the properties of excitatory inputs on LC-NA cells were measured. Notably we found differences among these inputs. First, the pattern of axonal innervation differed between inputs such that LH afferents were concentrated in the posterior portion of the LC-NA somatic region while PFC afferents were denser in the medial dendritic region. Second, basal intrinsic properties varied for afferents, with LH inputs having the highest connectivity and the largest amplitude excitatory postsynaptic currents while PAG inputs had the lowest initial release probability. Third, while orexin and oxytocin had minimal effects on any input, dynorphin strongly inhibited excitatory inputs originating from the LH and PAG, and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) selectively inhibited inputs from the PAG. Overall, these results demonstrate that individual afferents to the LC have differing properties, which may contribute to the modularity of the LC and its ability to mediate various behavioural outcomes. KEY POINTS: Excitatory inputs to the locus coeruleus (LC) are important for driving noradrenaline neuron activity and downstream behaviours in response to salient stimuli, but little is known about the functional properties of different glutamate inputs that innervate these neurons We used a virus-mediated optogenetic approach to compare glutamate afferents from the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and the periaqueductal grey (PAG). While PFC was predicted to make synaptic inputs, we found that the LH and PAG also drove robust excitatory events in LC noradrenaline neurons. The strength, kinetics, and short-term plasticity of each input differed as did the extent of neuromodulation by both dynorphin and corticotrophin releasing factor. Thus each input displayed a unique set of basal properties and modulation by peptides. This characterization is an important step in deciphering the heterogeneity of the LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Barcomb
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Samantha S. Olah
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Matthew J. Kennedy
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Christopher P. Ford
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
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45
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Helman TJ, Headrick JP, Vider J, Peart JN, Stapelberg NJC. Sex-specific behavioral, neurobiological, and cardiovascular responses to chronic social stress in mice. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:2004-2027. [PMID: 36059192 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial stress promotes and links mood and cardiovascular disorders in a sex-specific manner. However, findings in animal models are equivocal, in some cases opposing human dimorphisms. We examined central nervous system (CNS), behavioral, endocrine, cardiac, and hepatic outcomes in male or female C57Bl/6 mice subjected to chronic social stress (56 days of social isolation, with intermittent social confrontation encounters twice daily throughout the final 20 days). Females exhibited distinct physiological and behavioral changes, including relative weight loss, and increases in coronary resistance, hepatic inflammation, and thigmotaxic behavior in the open field. Males evidence reductions in coronary resistance and cardiac ischemic tolerance, with increased circulating and hippocampal monoamine levels and emerging anhedonia. Shared CNS gene responses include reduced hippocampal Maoa and increased Htr1b expression, while unique responses include repression of hypothalamic Ntrk1 and upregulation of cortical Nrf2 and Htr1b in females; and repression of hippocampal Drd1 and hypothalamic Gabra1 and Oprm in males. Declining cardiac stress resistance in males was associated with repression of cardiac leptin levels and metabolic, mitochondrial biogenesis, and anti-inflammatory gene expression. These integrated data reveal distinct biological responses to social stress in males and females, and collectively evidence greater biological disruption or allostatic load in females (consistent with propensities to stress-related mood and cardiovascular disorders in humans). Distinct stress biology, and molecular to organ responses, emphasize the importance of sex-specific mechanisms and potential approaches to stress-dependent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa J Helman
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - John P Headrick
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jelena Vider
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason N Peart
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicolas J C Stapelberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia.,Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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46
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Harris EP, Villalobos-Manriquez F, Melo TG, Clarke G, O'Leary OF. Stress during puberty exerts sex-specific effects on depressive-like behavior and monoamine neurotransmitters in adolescence and adulthood. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100494. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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47
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Duesman SJ, Shetty S, Patel S, Ogale N, Mohamed F, Sparman N, Rajbhandari P, Rajbhandari AK. Sexually dimorphic role of the locus coeruleus PAC1 receptors in regulating acute stress-associated energy metabolism. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:995573. [PMID: 36275856 PMCID: PMC9580361 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.995573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe stress leads to alterations in energy metabolism with sexually dimorphic onset or severity. The locus coeruleus (LC) in the brainstem that mediates fight-or-flight-or-freeze response to stress is sexually dimorphic in morphology, plays a key role in interactions between diet and severe stressors, and has neuronal input to the brown adipose tissue (BAT)-a thermogenic organ important for energy balance. Yet, little is known on how LC coordinates stress-related metabolic adaptations. LC expresses receptors for the neuropeptide PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide) and PACAP signaling through PAC1 (PACAP receptor) are critical regulators of various types of stressors and energy metabolism. We hypothesized that LC-PAC1 axis is a sex-specific central "gatekeeper" of severe acute stress-driven behavior and energy metabolism. Selective ablation of PAC1 receptors from the LC did not alter stress response in mice of either sex, but enhanced food intake in females and was associated with increased energy expenditure and BAT thermogenesis in male mice. These results show a sexually dimorphic role of the LC-PAC1 in regulating acute stress-related energy metabolism. Thus, by disrupting LC-PAC1 signaling, our studies show a unique and previously unexplored role of LC in adaptive energy metabolism in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Duesman
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sanutha Shetty
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sanil Patel
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Neha Ogale
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Farzanna Mohamed
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Njeri Sparman
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Prashant Rajbhandari
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Abha Karki Rajbhandari
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Abha Karki Rajbhandari,
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48
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Hilz EN, Gore AC. Sex-specific Effects of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals on Brain Monoamines and Cognitive Behavior. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac128. [PMID: 35939362 PMCID: PMC9419695 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The period of brain sexual differentiation is characterized by the development of hormone-sensitive neural circuits that govern the subsequent presentation of sexually dimorphic behavior in adulthood. Perturbations of hormones by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during this developmental period interfere with an organism's endocrine function and can disrupt the normative organization of male- or female-typical neural circuitry. This is well characterized for reproductive and social behaviors and their underlying circuitry in the hypothalamus and other limbic regions of the brain; however, cognitive behaviors are also sexually dimorphic, with their underlying neural circuitry potentially vulnerable to EDC exposure during critical periods of brain development. This review provides recent evidence for sex-specific changes to the brain's monoaminergic systems (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine) after developmental EDC exposure and relates these outcomes to sex differences in cognition such as affective, attentional, and learning/memory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Hilz
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Correspondence: Andrea C. Gore, PhD, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton St, Box C0875, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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49
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Role of alpha-2 adrenergic and kappa opioid receptors in the effects of alcohol gavage-induced dependence on alcohol seeking. Behav Brain Res 2022; 434:114032. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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50
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Chronic social instability stress down-regulates IL-10 and up-regulates CX3CR1 in tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing female mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114063. [PMID: 35988637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive literature has reported a link between stress and tumor progression, and between both of these factors and mental health. Despite the higher incidence of affective disorders in females and the neurochemical differences according to sex, female populations have been understudied. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the effect of stress on tumor development in female OF1 mice. For this purpose, subjects were inoculated with B16F10 melanoma cells and exposed to the Chronic Social Instability Stress (CSIS) model. Behavioral, neurochemical and neuroendocrine parameters were analyzed. Female mice exposed to CSIS exhibited reduced body weight and increased arousal, but there was no evidence of depressive behavior or anxiety. Exposure to CSIS did not affect either corticosterone levels or tumor development, although it did provoke an imbalance in cerebral inflammatory cytokines, decreasing IL-10 expression (IL-6/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10); chemokines, increasing CX3CR1 expression (CX3CL1/CX3CR1); and glucocorticoid receptors, decreasing GR expression (MR/GR). In contrast, tumor development did not alter body weight and, although it did alter behavior, it did so to a much lesser extent. Tumor inoculation did not affect corticosterone levels, but increased the MR/GR ratio in the hippocampus and provoked an imbalance in cerebral inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, although differently from stress. These results underscore the need for experimental approaches that allow us to take sex differences into account when exploring this issue, since these results appear to indicate that the female response to stress is mediated by mechanisms different from those often proposed in relation to male mice.
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